I was impressed by the level of respect and appreciation afforded Tabitha (Acts 9:36-38) for her humble, practical goodness and kindness shown to those who needed help and could offer nothing in return. According to James, that is a major part of religion that is pure and undefiled (James 1:27). Indeed, as followers of Jesus, we are His hands of help, arms of comfort, and ears of understanding to incarnate the gospel. The apostle John put it this way, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us (1 John 4:11–12).
Compassion and kindness to fellow humans is a major characteristic of the gospel mission. Our communication of the gospel is not just truth (words) but also grace, which is unmerited investment in others. We are created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph. 2:10), and we are a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:14).
As the church increasingly falls out of step with the mainstream of culture, be encouraged. There is one factor more than any other that predicts how generous, altruistic (noble, unselfish), and civically involved a person will be, measured by how much they give of their money and time, how often they help other people, and how much they are involved in civic and community life. That factor is not education, income, age, race, gender, or political persuasion. It is regular involvement in a religious community.1
The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people (Titus 3:8).
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1 Robert D. Putnam and David E Campbell, American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us, p.456-72
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